
Loading summary
Game Master
This episode is brought to you by Fandango. People say fans are too distracted these days. But the truth is, when a great movie hits the screen, you show up. You stay glued, invested, part of the story.
Fenley
And without fans like you, there'd be
Game Master
no cinema magic, no shared moments. So head to fandango.com to get tickets, stream or rent or buy top movies and series.
Sponsor Voice 1
Fandango loves fans.
Game Master
Protein is now at Starbucks.
Sponsor Voice 1
And it's never tasted so good. You can add protein cold foam to your favorite drink. Or try one of our new protein lattes or matcha.
Game Master
Try it today at Starbucks.
Landlord
Friendship. We each long for it, yearn for it. For a true friendship is eternal. A true friend will lay down their life for you. Would you do the same? I. Would you do the same for a stranger? This is the story of strangers who will become friends. A tale of five broken individuals who come together to live in an old building, lost to time. It is a story of commonality, secrets, despair, insanity. Open that door. Step in. Find yourself in that old building with your new friends. These are the sagas of Sundry. I am Mr. Ren. And there will be madness.
Game Master
This is your building. You all live here. And our story starts with you. Let's all discover who you are. There's a big thing happening tonight. You're hosting this party.
Fenley
Yeah, because of the situation that I'm coming from.
Game Master
Right.
Fenley
I didn't have a lot of friends because I. Well, he wasn't allowed to. My ex boyfriend was very controlling. The best way to make friends is to have a party. I hear it ticking.
Game Master
Yeah. No, there's something definitely in this room.
Fenley
Okay, so there's some sort of device. It's like a. Like a circuit.
Game Master
Suddenly there's an eye looking at you, and it's staring at you with a single slit. And it goes. Child, you are my salvation. Abigail. Why are you coming to me with another name?
Abigail
Look, mister, do you ever hear someone else's voice when you hear your original name? It's just a memory that you don't want to remember anymore. I'm just trying to get away from bad memories, that's all. Abigail means Abigail.
Jude Marley
Well, she's a pretty girl. You know, she's an actress, so she's got that, like, energy about her. And I like that.
Game Master
You see something, it is staring right at you, but it's not. It's looking at you, but it's not. There's something in your mind, and it's trying to find its way in. You see, a black door has chains on it locks. You've been planning this for a while. This infiltration that you're gonna do tonight. Oh, look, the boyfriend's emailing you.
Fenley
Yeah.
Game Master
What's he saying? Help. Help. Selena, they have me.
Abigail
Help.
Game Master
And notice that your hand is on the keyboard and it has been placed in the. Help.
Selena
You're not real. You've never been real.
Game Master
As you pull from underneath the couch, you realize that you grab a fistful of sand. And just as quickly as you thought the sand was there, you find that you've been holding nothing. Emmett, you came out here to LA for someone, right?
Emmett
I made a mistake.
Abigail
You did this. You made this happen. Was it satisfying?
Fenley
Did it feel good to kill me?
Abigail
I'm watching you, Emmett. In this wakeful nightmare where all dreams come true.
Landlord
It's.
Game Master
All right, guys. Welcome back. Everyone managed to complete their prologue without having the tower fall, except for Judah Marley.
Fenley
What? Oh, no.
Abigail
Is that true?
Jude Marley
Yes.
Game Master
His tower fell, unfortunately, during his story. So, to begin, I would like everyone except for Mr. Jude Marley to do their pre designated one pull. And he will make his three pulls after that. Fenley, why don't we start with you?
Fenley
Okay. Yeah. This one's way bigger.
Game Master
It's involved.
Jude Marley
Just leave me some.
Fenley
Just so that everybody knows, there is blood on one of them.
Emmett
For the blood gods.
Fenley
Ooh.
Abigail
Made a sacrifice, you see.
Fenley
Yeah, my blood went into that.
Jude Marley
Have to do three of those.
Game Master
Yep.
Fenley
Good luck.
Game Master
All right, Abigail, you're next.
Abigail
Are we supposed to, like, talk about ourselves or something?
Game Master
Yeah. Do you want to talk about it? I mean, we learned a lot about Abigail, but what would you like these fine people to know? Cause as far as you know, you don't know nobody.
Jude Marley
That's not entirely true.
Emmett
Nope. Look at it, Teeter.
Fenley
You've just made me trapped. Oh, right away.
Abigail
I guess you'll get to learn more about Abigail as the night goes on.
Game Master
Emmett, would you like to go next?
Emmett
Oh, more than anything.
Fenley
Oh.
Emmett
I felt a little calmer and better equipped before. The little side adventure. Not so much now.
Fenley
You're so cavalier about it.
Abigail
Like giving a prostate exam.
Emmett
I have only received. I have never had the blessing of giving one.
Fenley
It's great.
Game Master
All right, Selina. Gulp. One of the things I love about this game in particular is just what the Tower means. Because it's different for literally everyone. It represents something that they're going after. And the Tower is the epitome of success. Or failure. Thankfully, we are starting off with a lot of glorious successes. Jude. Jude Marley.
Fenley
Don't make it bad.
Game Master
There's Nothing more pure. Oh, God. Than the tension building mechanism that is 52 blocks of wood stacked onto each other.
Abigail
I definitely kind of immediately feel like an asshole for doing that.
Game Master
It was. I'm sure it felt like such an easy choice at the time. It was just ready to go impulsive, just very lightly.
Fenley
It was an interesting choice, leaving the middle open.
Jude Marley
Just love me.
Game Master
The tower is incapable of love, Jude. Excellent, sir. Awesome. All right, well, now that the pre
Jude Marley
pulls are done, now that I'm sweating.
Game Master
Yes, I have the perfect beginning for our tale. All five of you, for one reason or another, have had a difficult day today. But there is something to look forward to. Something that for many of you, for some of you, may not be something that you would look forward to, but today it just seems right. And that is Fenley's rooftop soiree.
Fenley
Thank you.
Game Master
I remembered.
Fenley
Yeah. It's not a party. It's a soiree.
Game Master
It's a soiree. And I think our journey should begin with Fenley's rooftop soiree.
Fenley
Huzzah.
Game Master
So, Fenley. Yeah? You tell me, are you the first one to arrive to the rooftop to receive everybody?
Fenley
Absolutely. I set my alarm early so that I knew that I could get up there and kind of set up a little bit.
Game Master
Right.
Fenley
So I'm there. I have a couple of paintings that
Abigail
I wanted to show you.
Game Master
That's right. Do you want to grab them real quick and bring them together? I think we know where they're at. All right. Ben Lee, you've got your paintings.
Fenley
I got my paintings.
Game Master
Great.
Fenley
Just to set the mood. And if anybody feels like buying one, then that's all the better for me.
Game Master
Fair enough. Who would like to arrive to Fenley's Rooftop Soiree next? Jude, you look like a great candidate for coming in. Why don't you arrive with a nice swinging, creaking door open as you step out to an empty rooftop patio? With one. Well, how do you. With one guy.
Fenley
I'm so glad that somebody showed up. You know, you never know when you put down flyers under doors.
Jude Marley
Is this it or.
Fenley
Well, I mean, it's early, and I thank you for coming early or on time. And. Yeah, my name is Fenley. Jude, it's nice to meet you. Like the Beatles song.
Jude Marley
Something like that.
Fenley
Oh. So, Jude, what do you do?
Jude Marley
Is anybody else coming to this party?
Game Master
That's a good cue. Abigail, why don't you arrive next?
Abigail
Yeah, fashionably after Jude.
Game Master
Fashionably after Jude.
Abigail
Fashionably. Yeah.
Game Master
You also walk up. You can hear. Actually, before Abigail even arrives. You can hear the thump, thump. The decisive sound of boots on the old wooden stairs leading up to this simple, jutted, angular building. As the door swings open with the loud. Abigail. You're out on the rooftop patio. You see Fenley and Jude engaging in conversation.
Sponsor Voice 1
Hi.
Abigail
Oh, hey.
Fenley
Thanks for coming.
Abigail
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You decided to come, I guess, then.
Fenley
Oh, you guys know each other?
Jude Marley
You could say that.
Abigail
Yeah, you can say that.
Fenley
I did say that. I'm sorry I couldn't decorate more. The landlord's kind of a stickler about everything.
Jude Marley
Yeah, yeah, we know, we know.
Abigail
Oh, the sparse, dilapidated building look really works for, you know, your postmodern thing you got going on.
Fenley
Oh, yeah, yeah. These are my paintings.
Jude Marley
Can I see it?
Fenley
Yeah, sure. This one might still be a little wet. I just finished that one today, actually, right before coming up.
Jude Marley
Kinda looks like a vagina.
Fenley
Oh, well, it could be. That's the thing about art, it's subjected.
Abigail
Don't worry, everything looks like a vagina to him.
Game Master
And that's a great cue, I think, to have. Selena, why don't you come in next? This one, you can barely hear the creaking. But I think all of you have your ears tuned to it at this stage as.
Fenley
Hello.
Selena
Hey.
Fenley
Thanks for coming. I'm just excited that anybody showed up, much less. This is great.
Selena
You seem really nice and everything. I'm not here for the party. Really?
Fenley
Oh, is this your space?
Selena
No, I'm just here. Just carry on.
Fenley
Oh, well, I'm Fenley. Just for future reference, if you need to, like, yell at me or something.
Selena
Selena.
Fenley
Selena. Good to meet you.
Abigail
You've been here for a bit, right? I feel like I've seen you around. How long have you lived here? I feel like you moved in shortly after I did.
Selena
Before.
Abigail
Oh, my bad. I'm Abigail.
Selena
Selena.
Emmett
Dude.
Game Master
And that is a great cue for Emmet, I think, to arrive. Emmett Markham. You step up slowly, rhythmically, but again, you can all hear the telltale wooden sound. No matter how softly you try to move around this building, it always seems to give you away. And door opens.
Emmett
Oh, hi.
Fenley
Hi.
Emmett
Is. Is this cool? I mean, I found this on the. In my hall. It's your.
Fenley
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely. You're in the right place.
Abigail
Man, I have never seen a flyer work so well.
Fenley
Right?
Abigail
I'm so impressed.
Fenley
I was a little bit worried. I'm Fenley, by the way.
Emmett
Oh, hi. My name is Emmett.
Fenley
Emmett.
Emmett
Yeah.
Fenley
Nice to meet you.
Emmett
Hi.
Jude Marley
Is that with an A or an E?
Abigail
E. Abigail.
Emmett
With an a. I remember Jude Nice to meet you. Sorry, I'm a little distracted today, so I just wanted to kind of.
Jude Marley
You got any drinks, man?
Fenley
Oh, yeah, yeah, we have drinks. We have.
Jude Marley
Yeah.
Game Master
Make a pull for awkward.
Emmett
Me?
Game Master
Yeah, Bentley, make a pull. See if you can recover this. Well, this is what you wanted and this is something that we talked about. So get yourself out of this.
Fenley
Come on, social skills.
Game Master
Come on, social skills. Make these polls because you know that this is exactly what you've been chasing, what you've always wanted, you're hoping for. This is your first time, Fenley, to shine on your own merits. So shine, Shine away, you bright, brilliant, gleaming star, you. I just want friends. Oh, how bright can you be to make something as hard as this life?
Fenley
Let's just have a good time, everybody.
Game Master
All right, so, Finley, you pass out drinks, you pop open.
Fenley
That's how you diffuse the awkwardness.
Sponsor Voice 1
Greetings, adventurers. We need to talk because this is kind of a big deal. Fabletics just dropped denim. That's right, real denim, not at leisure inspired, actual, structured, durable, premium feel denim. Now, if you know Fabletics, you probably think of them like this performance gear company. So seeing them step into denim, well, that is a serious level up. And they have millions of loyal members who, trust me, their fit. So seeing them bring that same innovation to denim, it's pretty darn exciting. And this is a brand new drop. That means new styles, new washes and sizes that will not sit around forever. The only downside is great denim comes with a price. But because this is their launch, new VIPs unlock major savings on their first purchase. So trying this new denim right now makes a ton of sense. And here's the part that actually shocked me when I signed up as a new VIP with Fabletics. I got denim for just 29 smackerels. That's honestly unheard of. For this level of quality. They don't feel like $29 jeans because from what I understand, this is launch pricing. So look, it's not going to be 29 bucks forever. Grab it while it's still at that rate. And I like that they keep things simple. There are two stretch levels. Not everybody wants the same thing. So whether you want something more structured or something a bit more flexible, you've got options. And they've got all the styles. Straight, slim, baggy, baggy utility, a trucker jacket, you name it. So whether your style is classic and clean or a bit more trend forward, you're set, bucko. This denim is built for comfort without compromising structure. They look sharp, they feel good and they move with you. And it's that balance of flattering and comfortable that gives you that extra confidence when you throw them on. Now for myself, I had to get that trucker jacket in the Pacifica Light wash, and I gotta say I look cool as hell. It feels durable, which I love, but it also has that lived in quality that you usually only get from wearing a denim jacket for years and years. And the relaxed fit just feels perfect. On my body. It looks good with basically everything I own. So Fabletics already has incredible deals and I've got an exclusive offer just for our listeners. Get $29 Denim when you sign up as a new VIP, just head to Fabletics.com critical role Take a quick style quiz and be sure to select Critical Role when prompted to unlock your offer. That's fabletics.com criticalrole Greetings, adventurers. It's time for a spring reset. That's right, this time of year always makes me rethink what's in my closet. Was there a pathway to Narnia there? Who cares? I'm trying to keep fewer things but better ones. Pieces that are well made and easy to wear all the time. Time always. That's why I keep coming back to quints. The fabrics feel elevated, the fits are thoughtful, and the pricing actually makes sense. It's like a Turkish delight for your body, except there's no white witch at the end. Now Quint makes high quality everyday essentials using premium materials like 100% European linen and their insanely soft flow knit activewear fabric. Their men's linen pants and shirts are lightweight, breathable and comfortable. Comfortable. And they're basically the perfect layer for spring. The pants strike the perfect balance between laid back and refined. So you always look put together without trying too hard, because nobody likes to try hard when it comes to pants. And as for their flow knit activewear, moisture wicking, anti odor, soft enough you'll want to wear them all day. Need I say more? Well, I'm going to. The best part is all their prices are 50 to 60% less than similar brands. How is that possible? Quint works directly with ethical factories and cuts out the middlemen. So you're paying for quality, not for a brand markup. And everything is designed to last and make getting dressed easy. Now the linen pants, I have to say, become a staple in my wardrobe. Everyone takes one look at me wearing them and asks, did you just come from a vacation in Mykonos? You look so good in those. And they are comfortable. And yes, they do look that good. Especially on me. They're super breathable and the best part is they don't cost what I thought quality linen pants were going to. So refresh your wardrobe with quints. Go to quints.com criticalrole for free shipping and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. Go to Q U I n c e.com criticalrole for free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com criticalrole
Sponsor Voice 2
starting or growing your own business can be intimidating and lonely at times. Your to do list may feel endless with new tasks and lists can easily begin to overrun your life. So finding the right tool that not only helps you out but simplifies everything as a built in business partner can be a game changer for millions of businesses. That tool is Shopify. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Gymshark, Rare Beauty and Heinz to brands just getting started. Shopify has hundreds of ready to use templates that can help you build a beautiful online store that matches your brand style. And you can tackle all the important tasks in one place from inventory to payments to analytics and more. No need to save multiple websites or try to figure out what platform is hosting the tool that you need. And if people haven't heard about your brand, you can get the word out. Like you have a marketing team behind you with easy to run email and social media campaigns to reach customers wherever they're scrolling or strolling. Start your business today with the industry's best business partner, Shopify and start hearing. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com realm. Go to shopify.com realm that's shopify.com realm.
Jude Marley
What is this?
Fenley
That's just vodka and orange juice.
Emmett
But you're new in the building, right?
Fenley
Yeah, yeah, I just moved in for.
Emmett
Where did you move in from?
Fenley
Well, I came over from like the next town over and. Yeah, I just. The rent here is amazing. The conditions a little lacking, but I can afford it by myself and I'm out here on my own making friends.
Jude Marley
Thanks for having us, Blair.
Fenley
Yeah, thanks. Thank you so much for coming. I was terrified that no one would show up.
Abigail
Maybe we should do this more often.
Fenley
Yeah, it could be like the rooftop club. Got a horse?
Abigail
We'll work.
Emmett
Show up. Work on the title.
Jude Marley
Yeah.
Game Master
Appetites.
Fenley
So I'm a painter and a barista, but what do you guys do for work or fun?
Abigail
Well, I'm in the entertainment industry. Like Everyone else here.
Fenley
That's so cool.
Abigail
Yeah, yeah, it's fine.
Jude Marley
What's your last job?
Abigail
Oh, you know, I've just kind of freelance. Just kind of odd jobs here and there. Just getting the work done, whatever. Nothing really identifiable. I guess.
Jude Marley
Not much has changed, has it?
Abigail
Ooh. How about you, Jude? Why don't you tell people about your line of work?
Selena
Yeah.
Fenley
I love your style. Really great.
Jude Marley
Yeah. Yeah. I work for a hotel.
Fenley
Oh, wow.
Jude Marley
Very nice hotel downtown.
Abigail
Doing what?
Jude Marley
I'm a director of hotel operations.
Fenley
And you live here, right? I mean.
Jude Marley
Yeah, I live here. Yeah. Yeah, I.
Selena
You know, it's a great place.
Jude Marley
It's a great place.
Fenley
Yeah.
Jude Marley
It's a great place for me.
Fenley
I'm so inspired by the architecture and it's just so breathtaking.
Game Master
This point. You can very distinctly tell when a large patch of clouds seem to pass over the waning sunlight as the evening is coming to a close. And that's very interesting because just a few hours ago it was clear skies.
Selena
So two struggling artists and a nebulous upper management type in a somewhat rundown building. That's nice. And you?
Emmett
I'm doing all right. I write.
Fenley
Ah, cool.
Emmett
Playwright.
Fenley
Do you have anything coming up soon?
Emmett
Yeah, I have something running in New York now.
Fenley
What?
Emmett
A couple more months. Yeah.
Selena
Why aren't you in New York? Not much of a theater scene out here.
Emmett
I mean, I followed a girl.
Jude Marley
Where is she?
Emmett
Not. Not here.
Fenley
That's rough.
Emmett
I'm, like, here for a couple more months. I'm probably gonna go. Head back.
Game Master
Suddenly, a large thunderous strike emits out from the cloud bank. And you can see that the clouds are starting to roll. And suddenly, as if the winds high above you are gusting at 100, 200 miles an hour, you're seeing that the cloud is pushing itself deeper and deeper into the skyline, taking up large portions of the overhead scenery.
Sponsor Voice 1
No.
Fenley
I'm sorry, you guys. I thought. I didn't know it was gonna rain.
Abigail
Holy shit. I've never seen anything like that here.
Jude Marley
Have you? That doesn't look normal at all.
Fenley
I mean, it's just a little rain, but, I mean, we could move the party down.
Selena
No, fuck that.
Abigail
This is awesome.
Jude Marley
Oh.
Fenley
Or we could play in the.
Emmett
Are you gonna tell us your story before it dumps on us? Or
Selena
my. I don't know.
Emmett
Whatever.
Selena
I do the Internet. Yeah?
Abigail
How do you mean?
Selena
I do Internet things. It's kind of technical. I don't think that horse type would. No, no, no.
Fenley
Do you get a good connection out here or. Oh, yeah, yeah.
Selena
Absolutely.
Game Master
You're pulling a bluff here, Selena. I feel it. Maybe they feel it, too. Why don't you make a pull? You're keeping yourself as close to your chest as those arms wrapped around you right now. As you look to all of the people in front of you. And Emmett, who is so graciously giving you every opportunity to speak kindly of what you're doing, seems to be a
Jude Marley
bit of a hole.
Game Master
Are you making that hole?
Jude Marley
That was quick, decisive.
Emmett
Yeah.
Game Master
You covered your tracks extremely well. Selina. Tell them more.
Selena
So there's this thing called the Internet. Uh huh.
Fenley
I've heard of it.
Selena
Right. And there are people that need to keep it running. Oh, right. So I write code for the Internet.
Fenley
Hmm. I like her.
Jude Marley
Sounds interesting.
Emmett
Yeah.
Selena
Most of the time it's just sitting in a dark room typing. But yeah, ditto.
Fenley
Oh, yeah.
Selena
Right.
Abigail
Let me know if you want to bounce. I Give this like 15 more minutes before my tolerance starts to grow. I just cleaned my room, guys.
Game Master
You're not being obvious at all. Make a pull.
Abigail
Who, me? Or both you?
Game Master
Abigail, Jude's already owned his three pulls for the day. You started this conversation. Why don't you finish it?
Abigail
What was that one? That. But Finley seemed to already have loosened up for me.
Jude Marley
If she makes this pull, you guys
Game Master
are free to go.
Jude Marley
Make sure you land this one.
Fenley
Yeah.
Game Master
No. Do you need more drinks or. Oh, jeez.
Emmett
Yes, please.
Game Master
Okay.
Selena
Can have mine.
Emmett
Thank you.
Selena
Jesus.
Game Master
Now, as Abigail and Jude start to get themself the idea to move out of here, they start walking towards the door. When suddenly you hear the loud stomping of somebody coming up the door. The door doesn't even open. You can hear a as the door kicks open and you see the landlords come straight up in a fit, in a raging huff.
Landlord
Who did it?
Selena
Whoa, whoa.
Landlord
Who did that?
Game Master
Somebody screwed with the walls. All of you, get over there. He points towards the far part of the wall. Having you line up in front of him, don't you two. I see what you're going. Don't go down. Sit down and tell me which one of you touched the walls.
Emmett
What are we talking about right now?
Game Master
We're talking about the building. I have one rule inside of this house. One very special, specific, important rule. And that is nobody messes with the building. Not the walls, not the infrastructure, none of it outside. Yet someone has disobeyed me. Who did it? Someone just fess up right now.
Emmett
Does anybody know what he's talking about?
Jude Marley
No idea.
Abigail
How do you know that someone messed with the walls? If you can't point to who did it.
Game Master
I just know, okay? I just know that there's something wrong. And one of you is responsible for it. I swear to God, I will evict all of you in one swoop unless someone tells me what happened right now.
Abigail
What the fuck? New Kid.
Game Master
You can see he's starting to pull into his hand.
Selena
Did anybody do anything?
Fenley
Hey, hey, hey. I did.
Game Master
Don't. Wait. What? He pulls a gun out. It's a six shooter revolver. He holds it up in front of you. What? You. You. He throws his hand down, Comes storming up next to you, pulls you by your hand.
Fenley
Sorry.
Game Master
What did you do?
Fenley
There was a ticking. There was a ticking noise.
Game Master
Ticking. There was a ticking. What was the ticking?
Fenley
It was. I don't know. It was some sort of like cylinder thing.
Game Master
What did it look like?
Fenley
It was a light bulb. It was a light bulb. I can repair it. I can repair it. It's super easy. I'm a painter. I have paint.
Game Master
What did it look like?
Fenley
It like, looked. I sketched it. And I have a. It was like a lantern.
Game Master
You see, as he comes across, all of you look around. Finley, make a pull. Hold yourself together, man.
Fenley
Oh, my God.
Game Master
She'll pull this thing out and look at it. You can see he's waving the gun around, looking at all of you.
Landlord
God damn it.
Abigail
Jesus.
Game Master
I just had one rule.
Fenley
And this is Selena.
Game Master
This is so. You don't know what you've done. You have no idea what you've done.
Fenley
I can't get evicted. I can't. This is. I need this place. I need this.
Game Master
It doesn't eviction. It doesn't matter. None of this will matter unless you tell me exactly what this looked like.
Fenley
It was like a lantern. It looked like it plugged into something. It was in the wall.
Game Master
So you show him. You show him the bulb. And he looks at it and you can see, he starts to calm down. He puts the gun down every. So there might still be time. Okay? There might. None of you go anywhere. And he runs and he bolts out through the door and storms down the hallway as fast as he possibly can. You can also hear and look as the skyline is starting to rol and crackle as the clouds are beginning to become a nebulous blob. And you can hear nothing except for the occasional of the thunder as lightning starts to scream across the sky. But not one drop of rain falls.
Selena
Are you okay?
Fenley
Yeah.
Jude Marley
You good?
Fenley
Billy.
Selena
Did I hurt you?
Fenley
Yeah. I didn't think it was that big of A deal.
Abigail
Come here.
Fenley
There was a ticking sound inside of one of the pillars in my wall. And it looked like it was coming from a specific space. So I just pried it open a little and it just completely fell apart. And then there was this cylinder that was inside of it. It looked like it had just shut off, like it was a light bulb. And it was warm to the touch. And I took it out because I didn't know.
Game Master
You hear gunshots.
Fenley
Oh my God.
Game Master
Rang out on the bottom. And it feels like it's coming from the second floor. You hear an entire six rounds. Lay out out of nowhere. And you hear nothing. Silence, everybody.
Jude Marley
Okay,
Emmett
Are we getting out of here right now?
Abigail
I think Mr. The landlord just lost his fucking mind.
Fenley
Do we call the police?
Emmett
I think we need to get off the roof. I think we need to get out of this building.
Fenley
Agreed.
Game Master
Are you all coming off of the roof?
Fenley
Yeah, I'll follow.
Emmett
I think we should get out. I don't really think we should be waiting here for him to come back to do what he just did.
Jude Marley
This looks fucking creepy. Yeah, that was fucking creepy.
Selena
I'm sure he has his reasons.
Game Master
So as you all make your way down to the second floor of the building. And the first thing that you notice when you get down to the bottom of the second stairs, you see the landlord leaning against one of the rails. And he is holding his head fenally. You're the first one to see him. Oh my God. He holds up and he drops the gun and looks at you as he eyes roll into the back of his head and he reaches out for you.
Fenley
Are you okay?
Game Master
Make a pull. Make a pull.
Fenley
Is he bleeding?
Game Master
You can watch as blood is running down the side of his neck. As he starts to look pale and reddish. And he looks to Abigail, he looks to Jude, he looks to Emmett. And he looks to Selina. And he goes back to looking at Abigail. And he moves his hand and stares.
Abigail
What the fuck, man?
Game Master
And you can watch as he's barely holding his consciousness and starts to roll back. As the final thing he says to the skies above. Keep it on. As he tumbles back off of the banister.
Jude Marley
No.
Game Master
And you watch as he spirals down. And a loud crunch with a breaking of bones. Oh, my God. As you look over the banister and peer down to the main lobby area. You watch his sprawled body laid out before you.
Selena
Oh, fuck.
Game Master
And then you hear a knock at the door. The last loud buzzer.
Fenley
Meh. Meh.
Abigail
Do we.
Fenley
Do we cover him? Do we cover?
Emmett
Do we move them we're good. We just. We all saw that. We all saw that. We're good.
Abigail
But like, are they gonna fucking trust. They're not gonna trust us.
Fenley
We didn't do anything wrong.
Sponsor Voice 1
I got fell over and we're all
Emmett
here like, we just fucking. Bruce didn't murder the man together, but
Abigail
he looks really fucking murdered.
Jude Marley
I can't go through this shit again.
Abigail
Okay, someone cover Benlee.
Game Master
You look like.
Abigail
You look like a sweet kid. You're a sweetheart.
Fenley
Go.
Abigail
Go open the door and just.
Selena
You're good at people.
Fenley
We'll cover it. Okay, I'll go down and open the
Abigail
door and can I start trying to like.
Game Master
Don't touch anything.
Emmett
Don't touch the gun. Don't touch him.
Game Master
Don't touch anything. Bentley, as you open the door, you see several police officer standing in front of you and one of them holds a badge out and says, sir, we've heard that there's a disturbance.
Fenley
Yes, there's been a disturbance.
Sponsor Voice 3
This episode is brought to you by Athletic Brewing company. No matter how you do game day on the couch, in the crowd, or manning the snack table, Athletic Brewing fits right in with a full lineup of non alcoholic beer styles you can enjoy bold flavors all game long. No hangovers, no buzz, no subbing out for water in the second half. Stock the fridge for tip off with a variety of non alcoholic craft styles. Available at your local grocery store or online at athleticbrewing.com near beer fit for all times. USAA knows dynamic duos can save the day like superheroes and sidekicks or auto and home insurance. With usaa, you can bundle your auto and home and save up to 10%. Tap the banner to learn more and get a'@usaa.com bundle restrictions apply. The war is over and both sides lost. Kingdoms were reduced to cinders and armies scattered like bones in the dust. Now the survivors claw to what's left of a broken world, praying the darkness chooses someone else tonight. But in the shadowdark, the darkness always wins. This is old school adventuring at its most cruel. Your torch ticks down in real time, and when that flame dies, something else rises to finish the job. This is a brutal rules light nightmare with a story that emerges organically based on the decisions that the characters make. This is what it felt like to play RPGs in the 80s. And man, it is so good to be back. Join the Glass Cannon podcast as we plunge into the shadow dark every Thursday night at 8pm Eastern on YouTube.com theglasscannon with the podcast version dropping the next day, see what everybody's talking about and join us in the dark.
Sagas of Sundry: Madness, Chapter Two – "Keep the Machine On" (Ten Candles: Eclipse, Ep. 2)
Critical Role & Sagas of Sundry | Host: Geek & Sundry
Date: April 6, 2026
The second chapter in the "Sagas of Sundry: Madness" arc thrusts five broken individuals—Fenley, Abigail, Jude Marley, Selena, and Emmett—ever deeper into a haunting, tragic horror narrative played out through the RPG "Ten Candles." Gathering in a dilapidated LA apartment building for Fenley's rooftop soiree, what begins as a vulnerable attempt at friendship swiftly unravels into paranoia, occult mystery, escalating violence, and the inexorable breakdown of reality. Under Ivan Van Norman's chilling direction, tensions mount, secrets tumble out, and the game's signature Jenga pulls amplify the atmospheric dread and suspense.
"Friendship. We each long for it, yearn for it. For a true friendship is eternal. A true friend will lay down their life for you. Would you do the same? ... This is the story of strangers who will become friends." (00:42)
Introduction Dynamics: Characters arrive one by one, barely hiding their discomfort and reserve, each seeking but wary of connection.
"I just want friends. Oh, how bright can you be to make something as hard as this life?" (15:14)
"Is this it or..." (10:27). Later, "Just love me." (08:22)
"Everything looks like a vagina to him." (12:12)
"I'm not here for the party. Really?" (12:45)
"I mean, I followed a girl." (24:30)
Subtle Hostility & Humor:
Tone: Naturalistic, with dark humor and shifting suspicion.
"Suddenly, a large thunderous strike emits out from the cloud bank... the cloud is pushing itself deeper and deeper into the skyline..." (24:48)
Selena downplays her role as an "internet person," hiding details and bluffing successfully through a Jenga pull.
"You're pulling a bluff here, Selena. I feel it. Maybe they feel it, too. Why don't you make a pull?" – Game Master (26:08)
Abigail attempts to end the awkwardness and is forced to make a pull (27:39).
"I have one rule... Nobody messes with the building. Not the walls, not the infrastructure, none of it..." (29:03)
"Keep it on." (34:03)
"You look like a sweet kid. You're a sweetheart. ... Go open the door..." (35:18–35:20)
"Friendship... For a true friendship is eternal." (00:42)
"I just want friends. Oh, how bright can you be to make something as hard as this life?" (15:14)
"Just love me." (08:22)
"Kinda looks like a vagina." (12:04)
"It's just a memory you don't want to remember anymore. I'm just trying to get away from bad memories, that's all. Abigail means Abigail." (02:25)
"There's this thing called the Internet. Uh huh... And there are people that need to keep it running. So I write code for the Internet." (26:54)
"Nobody messes with the building. Not the walls, not the infrastructure, none of it... someone has disobeyed me." (29:03)
"Keep it on." – Landlord’s last words (34:03)
"He looks really fucking murdered." – Abigail (35:08)
"You look like a sweet kid. You're a sweetheart." – Abigail (35:18)
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|---------------------------------------------| | 00:42 | Landlord's opening monologue | | 01:42 | Game Master sets up the story | | 05:16 | Jenga prologues; tension explained | | 09:09 | Rooftop soiree begins | | 12:04 | Awkward art discussion/character bonding | | 15:14 | Fenley expresses vulnerability | | 24:48 | Unnatural clouds and weather shift | | 26:08 | Selena bluffs about her job | | 29:03 | Landlord’s confrontation; rules revealed | | 31:03 | Landlord panics after seeing removed device | | 32:21 | Gunshots heard; panic among group | | 34:03 | Landlord's dying words: "Keep it on." | | 34:21 | Landlord falls, dies | | 35:32 | Police arrive at the building |
"Keep the Machine On" brims with atmospheric tension, layered character drama, and creeping supernatural menace. Through deft improvisation and the stark randomness of the Jenga mechanic, the story charts how trust falters and danger rises among isolated souls desperate for connection. By episode end, the characters are abandoned at the brink—haunted, suspected, and surrounded by forces both human and inhuman. The line between inner and outer madness blurs, and only one truth is clear: nothing in this building will ever be the same.
For listeners new and old, this episode is a masterclass in actual play horror, balancing dark humor, slow-burn dread, vivid roleplay, and the chilling tension of unpredictable fate.